abba Comillas Hotel

Marina at reception was so friendly and professional, greeting me when I arrived and seeing me off in the morning. I wondered if she ever sleeps! I stayed one night on the Camino del Norté and was thrilled with the place. I asked about upgrading to a room with outdoor space, and luckily one with a terrace was available for a small extra fee. It was beautiful, with a huge high-ceilinged interior, big windows and a large terrace looking over the hills and a bit of the ocean. I sat out there for hours listening to the cowbells. Everything was spotlessly clean, with modern touches and a thoughtful design. The huge bed was extremely comfortable, the air conditioning worked well, and the room was so quiet I didn’t want to leave. Breakfast had loads of variety and was extremely good. The only slight drawback is that the hotel isn’t right in the center, and getting there means a 10-minute uphill walk. That’s no big deal to me. I’d happily stay again and again. Thank you!

We picked this hotel for our last night after a long drive, before catching the ferry the next day, and expected somewhere a bit fancier. The burger we eventually managed to get at the bar was fine, with a beer, but came with just 11 chips. Before that, we’d been told there were no cocktails, the restaurant was full, and the bar might not have enough food because the restaurant was so busy. The place also felt almost deserted during the day, like the Marie Celeste. It all gave the impression that the hotel was seriously under-resourced.

For an expensive hotel, I expected a better level of service, and it just wasn’t there. The pool was so cold nobody could use it. The spa was tiny, cost extra, and had to be booked in advance. Avoid this hotel.

The room was lovely and very clean, including the bathroom. We had sea views through velux windows, and I liked the large bottles of soap, shampoo and cream instead of little ones. There were plenty of toiletries. Breakfast was adequate, with continental and hot options, plus a nice fresh orange juice machine. The two coffee machines were quite slow but did the job. The dining room is bright and airy, with a terrace, and parking at the front is free. There’s no way to make tea or coffee in the room. I expect that basic amenity at a 4-star hotel, especially since I like a hot water or chamomile tea before bed. I can’t remember the last hotel I stayed at without it. It feels like the idea is to make guests order from the bar, which isn’t modern. Keep people comfortable and happy and they’ll come back and recommend the place. The spa doesn’t feel 4-star either. The jacuzzi was lukewarm, and there were no complimentary towels. Reception wanted to charge €2 to hire one, so you have to fetch your room towel. My husband left his in the changing room because it was too wet. There were no robes or slippers. The spa needs work, with missing tiles and an area that needs a scrub. The steam room seemed to be switched on and off, even when guests had booked to use it. Access to the facilities costs an extra €15, with no complimentary use for guests. A pleasant stay, but those issues take two stars off for me.